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BLUELINES: Net gains in Jersey

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Updated Jun 6, 2014 2:44 PM ET

Used to being behind top-notch netminders, is taking a positive attitude about backing . "I'll probably play about 15 games," says Schwab, "which is kind of common now for a backup goalie. I'm going to approach it the same way I did in Toronto."

's right knee surgery will not get him back in action before the new year, as news reports would lead you to believe. In fact the may even find themselves in a scenario. Best bet is that Detroit's captain will return early in 2003.

Bruce Cassidy was an underdog for the Caps head coaching job until he went one-on-one with George McPhee. The GM was smitten by the interview. Hence, Cassidy becomes numero uno.

Sale of the and Corel Centre likely will be delayed for months because of Covanta Energy's fiscal problems. Covanta's bankruptcy proceedings meant it no longer could guarantee a $20 million commitment to the club.

Next ' major move  if a deal could be made  would be the trading of .

Brian Burke on why is not being offered a raise: "He had one good year. We are going to pay him accordingly."

The ' top pick, Jay Bouwmeester, already has captured Mike Keenan's imagination. "He's a very good skater," says Keenan. "He looks a little like in his mannerisms. He's a big man. If you watch, when his sense of comfort becomes greater, he'll be that much better."

Talk about touring the continent, has played for four teams in the past year. Expect him to be smartened up by Brian Sutter.

Are the ' REALLY going to gamble on as their premier netminder?

Some thought Kevin Constantine or Jay Leach would land the (Devils) Albany head coach job. Instead, Red Gendron  who certainly has paid his dues for New Jersey  got the nod from Lou Lamoriello. When the late John Cunniff coached in the 1998 Olympics, Red took over the Rats and had a 9-0 record.

One sleeper move we like is the ' acquisition of Derek Armstrong. At 29, the ex-Islander/Ranger is primed for one last, good shot at The Show.

saved $5.4 million over two years by trading . But the dough will be used to pay big salaries to and .

Biggest concern on Long Island is that Aucoin, et. al. had career years and could slip. Let's not forget that this is the last year of Mike Milbury's pact.

Subtly, Doug MacLean is making nifty moves in Columbus. Additions of as assistant coach and AHL leading scorer are a couple of examples.

The sale is extremely complicated because of the Rigas' family difficulties. The price will be low, but picking up the debt is key. Buffalo season tix reached 75 percent renewal; good under the present situation.

is history in Florida unless he takes a major pay cut. Best bet for Rick Dudley is a deal with , the ideal backup.

Overlooked aspect of 's signing: For the first time, a star with attractive options chose Phoenix. Amonte agreed to defer some money, which means he signed with the for reasons beyond bucks.

would like local corporate investors to buy a small chunk of the club. "We're not looking to sell control," says CEO Tom Wilson, "but it would enhance us to have somebody around the fans could touch and feel."

July 31 is the deadline for the to receive a new arena financing plan from the Pitt Sports & Exhibition Authority. Pens better get it done before retires.

Philly fans did a double-take when they saw in full uniform, standing at the Downtown intersection of Broad and Spruce Streets. He wore a sign around his neck, "WILL SCORE FOR FOOD". John was raising money for the Philly Food Bank.

A key issue in 2004 CBA discussions will be how much the NHLPA, agents and players trust NHL loss figures.

Larry Robinson, who still could wind up as Pat Burns' assistant in New Jersey, came North from Florida to play polo in the Saratoga Cup tournament. Larry says polo and hockey have a lot in common. "The great equalizer," he explains, "comes when you've got to get on a 1,200-pound animal and say, 'OK, you're my legs now. You have to get me where I want to be.' "

Mike O'Connell says not so fast about trading . "I have no intention of pulling the trigger on a trade for a lesser player. I think Kyle is like a young . That's who he can become." Kyle's agent, Neil Abbott, wants him out of Boston.
Known as "The Hockey Maven" in both local and national circles, Stan Fischler is one of the most outspoken authorities on the game of hockey.
Fischler can be seen offering NHL analysis on "MSG SportsDesk" and on Fox Sports Net's "Regional Sports Report  New York Edition." Fischler also provides studio interviews and pre- and post-game features and reports for both the and on FSN.
His columns appear regularly on MSGNetwork.com.